What Are the Six Food Groups?

The six food groups are vegetables, fruits, dairy, oils, grains and protein foods. A food group is a group of foods that have the same nutritional properties.

The vegetables food group generally includes all kinds of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, kale, spinach and legumes. Vegetables are rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, potassium and fiber. These nutrients help the body fight against infections and reduce the risk of diseases such as stroke, cancer and heart disease.

Fruits provide the same nutritional value as vegetables. They are high in folic acid, folate, potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Eating fruits on a regular basis reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. Grains, on the other hand, contain nutrients such as fiber, iron, selenium, magnesium and B vitamins. They reduce the risk of diabetes and maintain a healthy metabolism.

Protein foods are essential to maintain the proper health and function of body cells, tissues, hormones, blood and bones. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help prevent heart disease. They are also rich in amino acids, especially protein foods such as eggs, fish, meats and milk. Amino acids are beneficial as they help boost the body’s immune system. They also help in muscle development.